Flutter of an elastic plate under tension

A new interpretation of existing results is presented. Two-dimensional aerodynamic flow over a one-dimensional (infinitely wide) plate is considered. The effect is clarified of variations in plate bending stiffness on the flutter of a plate under a given tension, and vice versa. The conclusion is reached that for low-supersonic/transonic Mach numbers where flutter is most likely to occur, reducing bending stiffness reduces the dynamic pressure required for flutter